Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., president of St. Joseph’s University, New York, hosted recitals on the Long Island and Brooklyn campuses on April 24 and April 29, respectively. The recitals centered on the piano and vocal works of Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff, the Russian composer, virtuoso pianist and conductor.
A graduate of the Eastman School of Music who also studied at the University of Vienna as a Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Boomgaarden shared historical context and details about Rachmaninoff’s unique works and musical style in addition to his piano performance.
For example, before taking his seat at the piano, Dr. Boomgaarden shared why the first two pieces were works of Frédéric Chopin. According to Dr. Boomgaarden, Rachmaninoff was influenced by Chopin, a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist.
The remainder of the recital was dedicated to Rachmaninoff’s works, six in total.
Dr. Boomgaarden was joined by assistant teaching professor at the University and accomplished soloist Veronica Kaninska, M.S.Ed, C.T.R.S., during both events. She has accompanied Dr. Boomgaarden in previous recitals on campus.
This year’s performances were the latest in the annual Presidential Recital series enjoyed by alumni, faculty, staff and students of SJNY, as well as the local public. Last year, Dr. Boomgaarden’s performance shone a light on the music of Debussy and Fauré. In previous years, Dr. Boomgaarden’s recitals have featured the works of Brooklyn-born pianist and composer George Gershwin and Austrian composer Franz Schubert, among others.
View: Photos from the Long Island and Brooklyn recital performances
